Whole foods vs. the rest... (Charlotte: sale, coupons, home)
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We're making the move to Charlotte in March and I was wondering... What are some options for natural food groceries out there besides Whole Foods and how do they compare? I've heard of Earth Fare and Healthy Home Market but I've never been to either. Would you say one is better than the other in terms of selection/price, etc.? Are there other small, locally owned stores you prefer? We'll be living in the Plaza Midwood or South end areas. Thanks for your help!
We're making the move to Charlotte in March and I was wondering... What are some options for natural food groceries out there besides Whole Foods and how do they compare? I've heard of Earth Fare and Healthy Home Market but I've never been to either. Would you say one is better than the other in terms of selection/price, etc.? Are there other small, locally owned stores you prefer? We'll be living in the Plaza Midwood or South end areas. Thanks for your help!
I have found I end up buying from several stores because there is not 1 that fits my needs.
For example, I buy all my almonds and nuts from Trader Joes because they have the best pricing.
For meats, I prefer Earthfare (earthfare has a great selection of supplements also) or Fresh Market.
For deli, I really think you can't beat Harris Teeter since they have Boars Head.
For Dairy, it is a toss up between Trader Joes and Whole Foods, both have large selections.
For Produce, I either hit up TJ or the farmers market in spring and summer.
Whole Foods is the largest around, here but also the most expensive in my opinion. All of these are within a 10-15 minute dr and I live near Plaza Midwood. Plaza Midwood is getting a Home Market soon, looking forward to it.
I prefer Earthfare to Whole Foods. Though Whole Foods has more selection, Earthfare has very high quality in a smaller footprint. I also like to support them. Not a big Fan of Healthy Home Market - don't like their prepared foods and bakery.
After being a loyal Trader Joes customer for years, I went shopping at Whole paycheck, after hearing how great they were. My God, I walked out with two bags half EMPTY and $70.00 missing from my wallet. Never again.
I also love Trader Joes. But, if I had to pick between Whole Foods or EarthFare, it would be EarthFare. They have loyalty programs, give out pretty great coupons, and have a great meat department. That being said, I'd rather eat AT Whole Foods than EF. Whole Foods' salad and food bar is pretty killer. Far superior to EF. Healthy Home Market is there in South End, but extremely expensive. It's definitely a more grassroots feel in there, but the customer service is terrible (they act like they could care less if you're shopping there). However, they do have an extensive herb, healing, etc section if you need a specialty item.
I like Fresh Market, Earth Fare and a tiny place in the Arboretum (not close to you though) which the name is escaping me at the moment. (next door to pizza hut)
I think you have a Fresh Market up by you, you can check them out. I also would check out in uptown 7th street farmer's market as they have a tiny cheese and meat counter. They also have a fabulous vegan bakery and a restaurant on your right as you enter the market. I want to say local loaf? Their sandwiches are delicious!
We also have tons of CSA's and local meat suppliers like Bauscom, Lakeview Milk Delivery and other options.
I like Fresh Market, Earth Fare and a tiny place in the Arboretum (not close to you though) which the name is escaping me at the moment. (next door to pizza hut)
I think you have a Fresh Market up by you, you can check them out. I also would check out in uptown 7th street farmer's market as they have a tiny cheese and meat counter. They also have a fabulous vegan bakery and a restaurant on your right as you enter the market. I want to say local loaf? Their sandwiches are delicious!
We also have tons of CSA's and local meat suppliers like Bauscom, Lakeview Milk Delivery and other options.
Marketplace? I'm heading over that way today so I thought I'd check it out.
I'm a single guy, so I generally shop at least twice a week. I simply don't consume enough to warrant big purchases, so I make a loop based on where I need to be on a given day. Each store has it's deals, so I shop based largely on that and flll in where necessary.
I bought salmon on sale at Whole foods, and it was not nearly as good as the salmon I buy at TFM when it's on sale. The same goes with beef I bought at Earthfare.
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. Never again.
